Gene M. Yatchyshyn Sr., 74, of Monessen, passed away on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022, in Jefferson Hospital. He was born in New Eagle on Aug. 30, 1948, son of the late Charles and Josephine Teslovich Yatchyshyn. Gene was a 1967 graduate of Monessen High School and attended the Electronics Institute. He later served his union internship with local 302/354. Gene owned and operated Reda Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning in Monessen for over 20 years. He was a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Elks 733, Eagles Aerie 2399, Ukrainian Beneficial Association, Star Junction Rod and Gun Club and Fairhope Rod and Gun Club. Gene enjoyed going to his second home in Elk County to hunt and fish with family and friends. As a lifetime member of the Boy Scouts of America, he received the scouting “Silver Beaver Award” and the “Wood Badge.” And if you knew Gene, you knew he loved to blast off fireworks so all could enjoy the show. The one thing Gene became to many children over the years was “Santa Claus.” For 50 years, Santa would delight children and families throughout the area at homes, social clubs and most recently at Epiphany of Our Lord Church. “Santa” will truly be missed! He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn Reda Yatchyshyn; his sons, Gene M. (Michelle) Yatchyshyn Jr. of Eagle River, Alaska, Daniel (Stephanie) Yatchyshyn of Monessen and Luis (Giuliana) Barcenas of San Carlos, Mexico; his grandchildren, Lovlina, Sophia and Gabriella Yatchyshyn, and Alejandro, Santiago and Nicholas Barcenas; a brother, Richard (Christine) Yatchyshyn of Pen Argyl, Pa.; and by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, Joan Yatchyshyn. Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at DALFONSO-BILLICK FUNERAL HOME INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES, 441 Reed Ave., Monessen. Services will be held beginning with a blessing in the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Friday, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Epiphany of Our Lord Church with Father Michael J. Crookston officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rostraver Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America, 3011 Townsgate Road, Suite 450, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Condolences accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.
